Surviving SF Sketchfest

Our guide to SF Sketchfest 2014
By Andrea Abney

“There’s a summer camp vibe with Sketchfest,” says Peter Hartlaub, who wrote this week’s guide to the 13th annual comedy festival. “People like Fred Willard, Chris Hardwick, Maya Rudolph and Adam Savage are usually at four or five events. I’ve spoken to the three co-founders over the years, and they say that word of mouth is their greatest asset. Comedians often come back, and they spread the word to their friends.”

This year’s incarnation starts Thursday, with a “Napoleon Dynamite” 10th anniversary celebration and a tribute to Tenacious D. The coming days bring a tribute to “Key & Peele,” workshops and Porchlight Storytelling – and that’s just this weekend.

Hartlaub’s advice? Be adventurous.

“I’ve probably gone to 20 Sketchfest events over the years, and the ones I know almost nothing about often are the most entertaining and memorable,” he says. “My advice: Check out at least one event where you’re not familiar with the performer or performers.”